Sobriety checks, DUI enforcements to ramp up during holiday season

DENVER (KDVR) — It's one of the busiest times of the year as millions across the country will celebrate the holiday season. If you plan on going out with family and friends, the Colorado Department of Transportation urges you to get a sober ride home.

In order to help everyone get home safely this December, CDOT, along with the Colorado State Patrol and 75 other local agencies, is holding the "Heat is on Holiday Parties" DUI enforcement period. From Dec. 12-25, drivers may see an increase in officers, patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

According to CDOT, so far in 2024, 190 deaths on Colorado roads have involved impaired drivers, which is 30% of all traffic deaths this year. The department said impaired driving-related crashes and deaths tend to spike during the holiday season.

"Colorado law enforcement made 1,350 DUI arrests last December alone. Avoid a DUI this holiday season by making a plan for a sober ride," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Encourage your friends or family members to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, too. Responsibility is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to driving sober."

Along with the enforcement period, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado will host their annual Giving and Gratitude event to highlight the impact impaired driving can have on victims, survivors and their loved ones.

Hosting a party? How you can keep your guests safe

Whether you are hosting a white elephant gift party, holiday sweater party or a potluck dinner, CDOT and Mothers Against Drunk Driving have tips for how hosts can make sure their guests leave safely.

• Collect guests’ car keys upon arrival. Encourage them to designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service or public transportation. 
• Call a friend or family member for a guest if they have been drinking, or offer them a place to stay if a sober ride home is unavailable.
• Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
• Be persistent if a guest is intoxicated and planning to drive home. Explain that you care about their safety and cannot let them get behind the wheel. 
• Remember, as a host, you could be held liable if a guest you serve alcohol to gets in a crash.

If you are out on the road and suspect someone is driving while impaired, you can report them by dialing *CSP (*277).